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The Rigel Affair is a thrilling love story following two young people caught up in World War II. Why was this an important book for you to write?

My mother took her box of Charlie’s letters down from a bedroom cupboard, and talked about them constantly… telling me all the stories of her love affair with Charlie and the mysteries behind it. Many years later, after her death, I finally had the courage to read them for the first time. She made me promise that these letters must always be kept special. They were so compelling… it was like Charlie was in the room with me.

This is a story based on the letters and stories your mother passed down to you. How has your perception of the stories changed from childhood to adulthood?

My perception has not changed. Even today, it is like my mother is with me when I view these letters.

What were some things in the story that you felt had to be 100% accurate and what were some things you took some liberties with?

The pathway of the USS Rigel had to be 100% historically accurate. When we approached the US Navy and they realized the scope of our project, they assigned me an Officer who supplied us with many of Charlie’s Orders, and also the position of the Rigel for every day of the war. Then we could research events that were happening around the Rigel from time to time, and knowing that Charlie was leader of the Navy Divers on board, we could pick out actions and events that were typical of his duties.

Took Liberties – Roxy, Mrs Frisken, Mattie, – while Charlie’s locations were actual, we did not know exactly what he was doing. But we interview some of his shipmates who filled us in on day-to-day activities. But many of Charlie’s missions were secret.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

We are working on the Sequel – mainly set in the early 1950’s, but this is a WIP. Hopefully, to be published circa late 2019.

Abandoned by his part-Cherokee Ma, Charlie Kincaid escapes servitude with his uncle. He jumps a boxcar, accompanied by his schoolmate Roxy, who is escaping troubles of her own. Charlie becomes a US Navy Diver.Mattie Blanc is from a genteel New Zealand family. But when her brother’s friend persuades her to take a ride, it all goes horribly wrong. Desperate, she flees her family’s stifling expectations for a new life in Auckland.After the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, Charlie sets sail for Auckland aboard the USS Rigel. And there she is, the girl of his dreams. Mattie is everything that Roxy isn’t— sophisticated, tender, and patient. But the war intervenes… Rigel embarks for the Pacific war zones.Charlie’s letters are sporadic. Mattie is tormented by doubts; did he truly love her, or was it only a dream?The Rigel Affair produces a rip-roaring wartime romance and chilling danger unknown to most.

For Their Sins is based on the life of Alexandria a woman born in 1707, as the descendant of angels. Bearing the responsibility of her house, she will fight for both family and honor. What was the initial idea behind this story and how did that transform as you were writing the novel?

Most of my book ideas come from a random thought. Usually I will hear or see something and think it would make an interesting book. This idea was actually came to me when I was watching The Chronicles or Riddick. There was a random line where the Necromancers referred to humans as breeders. I thought it would make an intriguing story line for two types of vampires to be at war. Those that had children and those that did not. I think the idea changed the longer I followed Alexandria through her life. I wanted to make her more than a vampire. Alexandria needed a purpose and a reason to hate the Mordere. The biggest changes came at the final editing. The original story line seemed too dark even to me who understood the whole concept. It was changed and the angel theme was added much earlier than before. It balanced out the story and made Alex someone you wanted to root for.

Alexandria is a determined young woman. How did you capture the thoughts and emotions of a warrior princess type character?

It’s interesting to hear Alexandria described that way, it wasn’t how I intended her. I always imagined her as a hunter and the reluctant heroine. For me its never hard to write strong women. I usually think how my mother would react to certain situations; she’s certainly the strongest woman I know. In Alexandria’s case some of my own experience was thrown into the mix. For a long time I never wanted children either.

There were lots of great twists in the story that kept me flipping pages. When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?

When I start writing I usually have a general idea of major plot points in the book. How I get there is another thing entirely. This book was no exception. I worked on this manuscript on and off for six years trying to fit the pieces together. Alexandria’s first love affair was a total surprise to me and initially one of the characters wasn’t slated to be killed off. Some how it fit and I kept it. Originally the book had a much longer ending that always felt wrong to me. That was rewritten before publishing.

What is the next book that you are writing and when will it be available?

Currently I am working on Book 3 in the Chronicles of the Coranydas series. I am hoping to have it ready for publication around February 2018.

Alexandria Diego never wanted to be special. She was content to lay in bed with her lover forever. One decision will change everything. Suddenly, Alexandria is launched into a life of infamy, which carries a heavy burden that only she can bear. When a vicious war between her people, the Venandi, and their rivals, the Mordere, breaks out it forces Alexandria to change her tactics and be more cautious. But, when her love is captured by the enemy, Alexandria risks everything to get him back.